Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said they are investigating how the pictures of a severed arm on the operating table went viral on social media.

The pictures, which went viral on Facebook, was of a woman who was under operation. She was allegedly attacked by her knife-wielding husband at her workplace in Nadi last week.

The man, Krishna Kumar, has since been charged for attempted murder.

Dr Waqainabete said: “It is really disappointing, unethical, and unacceptable to have photos being displayed on social media.”

President of the Fiji Medical Association Dr Basharat Munshi said the circulation of these images must to stop.

“As a fellow human being that has been brutalised is not entertainment,” he said.

“If you have received these pictures of an arm under operation, delete it now.

“A civilised society is a compassionate society where we do not condone any acts of violence.”

Dr Munshi added that from a medical standpoint, pictures of a patient are a breach of patient confidentiality.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj